The Portland daily press., 1887-07-02


chooses, l am told" replied Boiling; land as
he is handsome, an only son, and his father
worth millions, he is at least what elderly
ladies call "a good CATCH"
HE puts up his fascination along with his
courtesy, suppose, and leaves both at home
when he travels" said the girl.
Lucy! Lucyw cried her father, "some
thoughts had better be left unspoken."
The conversation turned into other chan
nels But the old farmer still pursued his
queries in the most artful way. There is a
strong thirst for information in the rural
mind, but in this instance it seemed to be
personal.
AT last the elegant Jim Poulder came back
from the smoking-car, with a strong nico-
tian aroma shedding itself from his person.
He brought something more with him. His
voice had that thickness which told of the
draining of his pocket-fask. He was jolly
and confidential.
Sorry, old fellow" he said, ito have left
you so long. Been bored to death for want
of company, haven't your"
"Oh, no! have enjoyed very pleasant
conversation with our genial neighbor over
the way"
Genial! Well, of all the queer chaps for
picking up all low acquaintance, you beat
em and give em six in the game"
SSH! They'll hear you"
'Let 'em, who cares? Going to stop at
the Junction."
mo; there is a one-horse sort of connect
ing train, learn, and l shall push on to
Griffton at once"
II shan't. I'll lay over day. I'm sort of
worn out, and I'll come over tomorrow as
fresh as daisy Hope you'll have a good
time among the cheese and candles. in
tend to look in on you before / leave and
see how doth the little busy bee improve
each shining hour"
THANK you; you're very kind"
The brakeman craned his neck in the door,
and uttered some sounds, apparently "Grit.
tin Juxsh'n," which the experienced ear un-
derstood to be Grifton Junction, and the
travellers for that point left the cars. Poul-
der made his way, with his luggage, to the
little hotel there, while the farmer and
daughter, followed by Boiling, made their to
the single car, with little superannuated
engine attached, which stood waiting.
There were no other passengers, and the
three had the car to themselves.
Come over here Mr.. Boiling" said the
old man, after the car had been in motion a
while, 81 want to talk with you bit. Turn
down that seat That will do. You said
you had letter for Judge Carter, and didn't
intend to deliver it,"
Eyes, sir.'
Did it never occur to you, young man,
that it was your duty to OBEY fathers or
ders?"
Il trust, sir. that I'm usually obedent,
1t was not positive order. / shall write to
him and explain
II tell you that you should deliver that
letter to its proper owner You are only q
trustee in the case. l am Judge Carter, and
this is my daughter, Lucy. Hand over the
paper to the court"
Il beg pardon, sir; but p
You want Identification. Here, conduc-
tor! Tell this young gentleman who am. p
Judge Carter" responded the function
airy, little curious to know hat it was all
about.
"Thank you, Phillips. That will cd
Now, SIR"
Boiling, not little astonished, took the
letter from his pocketbook
IF you'll permit me-" said the Judge. as
he opened the letter and glanced over the
contents. HE gives you good character,
and wants me to look after you little. All,
how time flies Lucy, this young fellows
father and l had such good times in the old
days. How long did you read law, Boil
ling?"
"a little over two years, sir"
Like it?'
Very much indeed. sir.''
Whom did you read WITH"
spence q Sullivan"
Good men. Sullivan put you through
the Office business, fancy. That's his way
Now, I've been putting you through an ex-
haustive examination, which is my way,
and l think you will do. Let old Bragg find
another salesman. He's not dying for you,
and can get him substitute. / have two
students in my Office. What they are there
for is their own business, but they'll never
make great success lat the bar unless they
change their ways. want a clerk to man
age my office and to boss around while / am
off on circuit. I'll give you living salary
not too much, and you can read law mean
while. You ought to be able to pass in
year. If you turn out as | hope you will,
why, when you get your sheepskin Wen see
what can be done. What do you say to
this?"
Say to it, sir What can say but yes,
and thank you for the offer?"
Every well, that's settled. Here we are.
and there's our carriage. Give your checks
to John there, and he'll bring your luggage
to the house along with ours. Show your
gallantry, and hand Lucy into the carriage.
Jump in. I'll drive"
The next day James Poulder, Esq, made
his appearance at the Carriers in state of
elegance only matched by that of Captain
Cuttle's famous watch-neyer equalled and
rarely excelled. He was ushered into the
drawin5-room and received by a young lady,
wqoae style suited even his fastidious taste,
and whose features had dim familiarity.
When the judge came in, the young mans
recognition of the farmer in the cars was
complete. He lstammered out an apology.
but the old man relieved him.,
1T could hardly have been expected that
you should have known us" said the Judge.
Let all that pass. You are quite welcome.
As we have two hours before dinner, wen
go to the Office and look over the papers to-
gether. Miss Carter will excuse you, mean
while
In the office Poulder found Boiling, who
was busy at work on declaration.
why, Frank, l thought you were going
into the grocery business"
1--WE changed my mind" replied Frank,
resuming his work.
James Poulder stayed his week out and
then took the cars to Careysburg
Frank Boiling did not make the same trip
until two years after. Then he went to visit
his father, who had got over his.pecuniary
troubles, and to see his sisters. He had been
admitted to the bar meanwhile, and Judge
Carter, whose favorable impressions time
had confirmed, had taken him into partner
ship. He had gone into another partnership
just before he left. He was in high spirits
on that trip. He was not alone. Miss Lucy
Carter, that had been, Mrs. Francis Boiling
then, was his travelling companion.
AN ELEPHANTS INSTINCT.
Old RijoL Rafusac poioonad No.,